LAKE PLACID, by some called the gem of the Adirondacks, possesses many beautiful features peculiar to itself. It is in shape oblong, something over four miles in length and about two broad, measuring through or between the islands, of which there are three, called respectively Hawk, Moose and Buck. Hawk Island is small. Moose and Buck are large, beautiful islands in a line towards the southwest, the three dividing the sheet into what are locally known as the east and west lakes, making it resemble a large river sweeping around them rather than a lake with islands. 

The steamer " Mattie," Capt. Theo. H. Whue, of glorious pancake memory, makes a delightful excursion, morning and afternoon, passing around the islands to head of lake and return, touching at Castle Rustico by the way. Fare, round trip, 75 cents. " CASTLE RUSTICO " is on the west shore opposite Moose Island—an immense gabled structure of logs, rough outside and rustic in, surrounded by primeval forests, grotesque, weird and attractive. It is commanded by W. F. Leggett, who with his efficient lieutenant, and supported by faithful retainers, receives the wayfarer right royally—for particulars of which, address at North Elba. – Seneca Ray Stoddard (1881)